Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes driver says he ‘not getting too hung up’ on unhealthy qualifying type forward of Monaco GP | F1 Information

Lewis Hamilton says he’s “not getting too hung up” on the “pretty bad” qualifying type he has skilled to date this season.

The seven-time world champion has been out-qualified by his Mercedes team-mate George Russell at six of the seven races to date this 12 months going into this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, along with his finest effort a seventh place in Japan.

Hamilton, who holds the Method 1 file for probably the most pole positions with 104, has additionally did not make it by way of to the ultimate a part of qualifying on two events, whereas Russell has reached Q3 at each race.

The 39-year-old’s struggles have come amid a dismal begin to the season by Mercedes, which has left the Silver Arrows unable to compete not solely with championship leaders Pink Bull, but in addition Ferrari and McLaren.

Requested by Sky Sports activities Information whether or not enhancing his qualifying performances has been some extent of emphasis, Hamilton mentioned: “I would not say it is not been a precedence however the entire weekends been the precedence is to enhance in all places.

“However significantly because the finish of final 12 months after which all this 12 months has been fairly unhealthy on a Saturday.

“But it is what it is, and I’ll continue to work at it. So far I haven’t got it to a great place but there’s plenty of races left to sort that out. And there’s plenty of time to iron out all the creases, in my performance and the in the car’s.

“I am not getting too hung up on it.”

Despite being out-qualified by Russell at each of the last two races, Hamilton managed to finish ahead of his team-mate in Miami and Imola after strong Sunday showings.

“My race efficiency continues to be fairly first rate, so fortuitously I can sort of fall again on that for now,” he added.

Hamilton hopeful of Mercedes discovering ‘candy spot’ in Monaco

Hamilton’s feedback on Thursday come forward of an important qualifying session of the 12 months in Monaco, with overtaking so tough in Sunday’s race that there are normally few adjustments to the working order after the primary nook.

Hamilton is hopeful the Mercedes improve package deal that arrived in two elements in Miami and Imola Mercedes will assist them to placed on a aggressive displaying on the avenue circuit however admits earlier performances this season in low-speed corners depart him unsure.

“You look at Suzuka, we were very slow in the slow-speed (corners). If you look at Jeddah, we were fast in the slow-speed and terrible in the high-speed, so I have no idea until I get out there tomorrow,” Hamilton mentioned.

“I think we should be a little bit better here. I think the window is starting to open in terms of performance between high and low, so I’m really hoping we’ve got it in a bit of a sweet spot.

“We weren’t that far off in qualifying final 12 months really with a a lot worse automotive, so I hope that claims one thing for this weekend.”

‘Race win this season not practical in the meanwhile’

Hamilton and Mercedes had begun what is about to be their twelfth and remaining season collectively – forward of his blockbuster change to Ferrari subsequent 12 months – with intentions of ending on a excessive.

Senior figures at Mercedes have expressed confidence that additional upgrades, anticipated to reach throughout June and July, will carry them considerably nearer to difficult for victories, however Hamilton says including to his 82 wins for the crew doesn’t appear “realistic” in the meanwhile.

“That’s what we’re working towards but at the moment it’s not realistic,” he mentioned.

“I don’t know how the year’s going to evolve. If others hit a plateau and don’t develop and we continue to develop, or if they develop at the same rate as us, I really have no idea.

“However what I’ve to say is, we will proceed to push. I have never obtained a crystal ball so I do not know how the 12 months’s going to finish, however by way of how we’re working collectively and the way we’re persevering with to remain targeted and motivated, I feel that is inspiring for me.”

In a lighter moment during his press conference, Hamilton was asked whether learning Italian ahead of his move to Ferrari, or claiming a podium with Mercedes was a greater challenge.

“I feel studying Italian could possibly be the toughest in all probability,” he responded. “However no, in the meanwhile, attending to the rostrum in all probability is the much less seemingly one.”

Sky Sports activities F1’s reside Monaco GP and Indy 500 schedule

Friday Might 24
10am: F3 Qualifying
12pm: Monaco GP Follow One (session begins at 12.30pm)*
2pm: F2 Qualifying*
3.45pm: Monaco GP Follow Two (session begins at 4pm)*
5.30pm: The F1 Present
6.30pm: Indy 500 Remaining Follow
8.30pm: Indy 500 Pit Cease Problem

Saturday Might 25
9.40am: F3 Dash
11.15am: Monaco GP Follow Three (session begins at 11.30am)*
1.10pm: F2 Dash*
2.15pm: Monaco GP Qualifying build-up*
3pm: Monaco GP Qualifying*
5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book

Sunday Might 26
6.55am: F3 Function Race
8.35am: F2 Function Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Monaco GP build-up*
2pm: The MONACO GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Chequered Flag: Monaco GP response
5pm: Ted’s Pocket book
5.30pm: The Indy 500

*additionally reside on Sky Sports activities Principal Occasion

It is time for the most-famous F1 race of all of them – the Monaco Grand Prix. Watch each session from the well-known avenue circuit from Friday reside on Sky Sports activities F1, with Sunday’s race at 2pm. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime